Air India opens first flagship Maharaja Lounge at Delhi airport's Terminal 3
Air India has opened its first flagship lounge, The Maharaja Lounge, at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. The lounge marks a key step in the airline’s effort to improve premium travel services and will be available to Business and First Class passengers, Gold and Platinum Maharaja Club members, and eligible Star Alliance members from February 16, 2026.

“The Maharaja Lounge at Delhi airport is a significant milestone in our transformation journey. It is a tangible and proud representation of the ‘New Air India Experience’. We endeavour to set a benchmark in aviation hospitality, and this is just the beginning. Our strategic expansion plans include substantial investments to build more such platforms across countries that we fly to that will redefine luxury and comfort for our guests,” Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, said.
The new lounge reflects Air India’s updated branding and design direction. It combines elements inspired by Indian heritage with a modern layout. This is the first of several such lounges the airline plans to open at airports in India and overseas as part of its broader customer experience upgrade.
Designed by global design studio Hirsch Bedner Associates, the lounge features interiors aligned with Air India’s refreshed identity. Artworks placed across the space highlight Indian culture and heritage, creating a connection between design and storytelling.
The Maharaja Lounge is divided into different zones to suit varied passenger needs. Some areas are designed for quiet relaxation or work, while others support social interaction. This allows guests to choose spaces based on their preferences during transit.
Among the key areas is The Aviator’s Bar, designed with a speakeasy theme and inspired by JRD Tata’s 1932 flight from Karachi to Bombay. The Globetrotter’s Study offers a quiet space with books, power outlets, and high-speed internet for reading or work. The Serenity Area includes individual recliners for rest.
The First Class section features the Crystal Bar, which serves champagne and cocktails, and seating areas with views of the airport tarmac. First Class passengers also have access to private sleep suites designed for pre-flight rest.
Dining is a major focus of the lounge experience. Guests can choose from Indian and international dishes, including options from live cooking stations. A Beverage on Wheels service offers cocktails at the seat, while a dedicated tea programme serves freshly brewed tea with snacks, reflecting Indian traditions.
To add a personal touch, Air India has introduced Maharaja-themed postcards for guests, designed as keepsakes from the lounge.
“The Maharaja Lounge at Delhi airport is a significant milestone in our transformation journey. It is a tangible and proud representation of the ‘New Air India Experience’. We endeavour to set a benchmark in aviation hospitality, and this is just the beginning. Our strategic expansion plans include substantial investments to build more such platforms across countries that we fly to that will redefine luxury and comfort for our guests,” Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, said.
The new lounge reflects Air India’s updated branding and design direction. It combines elements inspired by Indian heritage with a modern layout. This is the first of several such lounges the airline plans to open at airports in India and overseas as part of its broader customer experience upgrade.
Designed by global design studio Hirsch Bedner Associates, the lounge features interiors aligned with Air India’s refreshed identity. Artworks placed across the space highlight Indian culture and heritage, creating a connection between design and storytelling.
The Maharaja Lounge is divided into different zones to suit varied passenger needs. Some areas are designed for quiet relaxation or work, while others support social interaction. This allows guests to choose spaces based on their preferences during transit.
Among the key areas is The Aviator’s Bar, designed with a speakeasy theme and inspired by JRD Tata’s 1932 flight from Karachi to Bombay. The Globetrotter’s Study offers a quiet space with books, power outlets, and high-speed internet for reading or work. The Serenity Area includes individual recliners for rest.
The First Class section features the Crystal Bar, which serves champagne and cocktails, and seating areas with views of the airport tarmac. First Class passengers also have access to private sleep suites designed for pre-flight rest.
Dining is a major focus of the lounge experience. Guests can choose from Indian and international dishes, including options from live cooking stations. A Beverage on Wheels service offers cocktails at the seat, while a dedicated tea programme serves freshly brewed tea with snacks, reflecting Indian traditions.
To add a personal touch, Air India has introduced Maharaja-themed postcards for guests, designed as keepsakes from the lounge.
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